By Anthony Reyes, WKBW:
The Buffalo Fire Department has identified the firefighter that was killed in the four-alarm fire on Main Street as 37-year-old Jason Arno.
Arno was a three-year member of the department and worked out of Engine 2.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the department said in part that Arno “made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“It is with the deepest regret and sorrow that we announce the Line of Duty death of Firefighter Jason Arno of Engine Company 2, Buffalo Fire Department. Firefighter Arno made the ultimate sacrifice while bravely battling a fierce 4 alarm fire on the 700 block of Main Street in the heart of downtown Buffalo. His tragic loss is a painful reminder of the dangerous and extremely difficult work Buffalo Firefighters do every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow Firefighters for the heartbreaking loss of an extraordinary young man who committed his life to the service of others.”
Listen to the radio traffic here.
Crews responded to the fire on the 700 block of Main Street around 10 a.m. Wednesday and around noon officials said there was a firefighter that was unaccounted for after a partial collapse of the building. Around 3:30 p.m. officials announced the firefighter was pronounced dead at the scene.
To honor the memory of Arno, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has requested Buffalo landmarks be lit in red beginning Thursday night. On Wednesday, Brown directed that all city flags fly at half-staff.
“This is a heartbreaking time for our city. Yesterday, 37-year-old Buffalo Firefighter Jason Arno showed his bravery and commitment to fire service by putting on his uniform and carrying out his sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of this city. Tragically, he lost his life protecting others. I share my deepest sympathies with everyone who knew and loved him. I ask all City residents to keep his family, and the entire Buffalo Fire Department, in your prayers during this difficult time.”
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